TVC N. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its socio-economic and political challenges soon.
Abubakar, who is also the President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, stated this at a three-days conference on enhancing religious peace in Abuja.
The conference which was organised by the African Council of Religious Leaders has the theme “Faith Works Africa: Partnership for Peace and prosperity”.
The Sultan said that the conference was aimed at deepening religious tolerance and understanding between adherent of different religions in Africa and chart a new course for the attainment of sustainable peace in the continent. Abubakar said that the Buhari-led Federal Government had demonstrated genuine commitment to addressing lingering security challenges facing the country.
“Like so many countries across the world, Nigeria has its own challenges and we will overcome those challenges within a short possible time,” he said. The Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said that the conference would correct misconceptions about religion especially with the calibre of religious leaders in attendance.
He said that the attitude of some people gives religion a bad name, especially those that wage war and kill people. Onaiyekan said that the conference would correct widely held view that Nigeria was not a peaceful country, adding “Nigeria has a long history of peaceful coexistence and hospitality.”
He said that the role of religious leaders in promoting interfaith dialogue could not be over emphasised, adding that religious communities are very effective in building peace.
